Tim Tebow: Breaking Down How QB Can Become Starter Again

The New York Jets’ trade for Tim Tebow was a colossal mistake. But, it isn’t one that should doom the polarizing quarterback from having success in the NFL.

In theory, the Jets wanted to explore an expansion of their Wildcat package and bring a capable backup to town in the event Mark Sanchez didn’t pan out.

Sanchez crashed and burned and Rex Ryan, for whatever reason, refused to give Tebow his chance. It’s a puzzling situation altogether, but ultimately one that should finally dissipate after another season of Tebow playing on special teams and sparingly when the team employs the Wildcat formation.

Staying in New York, with Ryan calling the shots, doesn’t bode well for Tebow’s chances.

THIS is who the Jets fielded at QB over Tebow in 2012.

A team could certainly trade for the mobile QB, but then again, what would they give up at this point? Tebow’s ability has been analyzed, overanalyzed and then dissected by NASA computers AND Skip Bayless’ expert evaluation talents.

There isn’t much left to talk about.

We know what Tim Tebow is. He’s a hard-working, passionate and capable football player who may or may not have the ideal release that coaches look for in starting NFL quarterbacks.

But that doesn’t make him unworthy of being given a chance to lead a football team. Especially a team like the Jets that was falling apart at the seams last season.

We all watched as he took the reins of a dismal Kyle Orton-led Denver Broncos team and led them to a playoff berth and then a stunning wild-card victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers in overtime.

Demaryius Thomas did a lot of the work. But, someone had to throw it, right?

He has succeeded in college and in his limited opportunities at the professional level. So, why not give him another shot?

Escaping New York needs to be his first move. Whether it’s through a trade, a request for release or through free agency next summer, Tebow must find a way to put himself in a better situation.

But, being a media sensation, teams may shy away from taking the gamble on the passer. If he doesn’t pan out, it could cost a regime their jobs due to the debate his ability creates and level of exposure that discussion finds.

That’s why his latest decision to not talk to the media may be the best one he has made since he entered the league. Jim Heath of 10TV.com provided us with a picture of the rules for Tebow’s latest speaking engagement (via Twitter):

The NFL is gravitating toward quarterbacks with multiple skill sets like Tebow. San Francisco’s midseason switch to Colin Kaepernick, Robert Griffin III’s performance in Washington and Russell Wilson's success in Seattle are all signals of that change.

It’s a league that is shifting toward Tebow’s talents.

That’s why he needs to stop trying to conform to the traditional pocket-style passer that teams wanted him to be. The league is changing, meaning he should embrace the talents that he does have and market those skills to teams in need for an offensive face lift.

Shedding the media, embracing his talents, finding the right fit and escaping New York are steps Tim Tebow must take if he plans on finding a chance for another starting QB job in the NFL.

Mike Hoag is a Breaking News Team writer and featured NFL columnist for Bleacher Report. Follow him on Twitter: